Step Back from Social Media

Have you ever looked up from your phone/tv screen and thought, "WHAT?! How is it already [insert time here]??" Usually it's late at night, or during one of those early morning feedings with a little one... Yeah, me too. But every single time it happens, I feel instant guilt!

A while back, I listened to a podcast that really convicted and challenged me. Lexie Thiery has a podcast called "Women of Worth", and she has an episode from July 2021 called 'The Problem with Social Media'. In it, she discusses how we try to be friends with the world while also trying to be friends of God. She quotes James 4:4, which reads: "You unfaithful people! Don't you know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world's friend becomes God's enemy."

I don't know about you, but I sure don't want to be an enemy of God! As I have said before, our purpose is to bring glory to Him. After listening to this podcast, I set screen-time limits on my phone, and made it a priority to pray for my child while I am feeding her instead of mindlessly scrolling or flipping on a Netflix show. Am I perfect? Absolutely not! I still sometimes pick up my phone, but I have become much more mindful, and continue to challenge myself to let it go more and more.

I have felt more connected to my baby, too! I don't have my phone out while we play (except of course to take occasional pictures/videos). I don't have the tv on in the background. We sing, make silly noises, narrate our actions, and embrace the quiet moments. At first, the quiet was uncomfortable. I was so used to the constant hum of life happening around me-- a noisy kindergarten classroom for example. But now, I enjoy it. It allows me to slow down (something I have been praying for, for months). I catch myself saying little prayers of gratitude all day long. I feel comfortable taking out my Bible and reading it aloud while my little girl plays on the floor next to me. I feel peace.

My husband and I have been a part of a Bible Study/Home Church group, which is more like family, for several years, and our group has been thinking of ways to be united throughout the week, engage in our devotion better, and deepen our relationships. One of the ways we are starting to do this is by having "no-screen-nights". Thursday nights, we will turn off all screens until Friday. Instead of watching tv, or scrolling mindlessly in bed before falling asleep, we will read, talk, journal, pray, play on the floor with Wilma, etc.

My hope is that I can continue to get off social media, I can focus more on Him, and I can let go of the many worldly distractions that I am surrounded by. I challenge you to take a time-out and try an evening screen-free. It may feel uncomfortable, it may feel like a chore, but it may also bring you an overwhelming sense of peace.

*Most Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for putting my heart at peace when I can step away from this fast-paced world. Lord, help me put away the distractions from you; help me to focus my attention solely on what brings you glory. Father, thank you for the little moments, and I am overjoyed to think of the many more I get to be witness to. In your son's most righteous and holy name, Amen*